Community leaders, service providers, and public safety professionals gathered for the Greater Prince William Human Trafficking Task Force Symposium, which focused on new laws, emerging trends, and collaborative strategies to strengthen the community’s response to human trafficking. The event was hosted by the Prince William County Office of Community Safety and brought together experts from law enforcement, social services, education, health care, and community organizations.
The symposium highlighted the importance of strong partnerships and a unified approach to addressing human trafficking. Participants discussed legislative updates, shared resources, and explored coordinated methods for prevention and survivor support.
Dr. Tauheeda Yasin, Director of the Office of Community Safety, said: “Preventing human trafficking requires more than responding after harm occurs. It requires stronger coordination across systems and stronger connections within communities. When agencies, service providers and communities are connected, we can identify risks earlier, support victims and prevent exploitation from taking hold.”
Presentations included information from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children as well as legislative updates aimed at improving early identification and intervention. The event also recognized county leaders such as Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry, Gainesville District Supervisor George Stewart, and Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey for their participation.
The Greater Prince William Human Trafficking Task Force acts as a network of local, state, and federal partners working to prevent trafficking and provide trauma-informed support services for survivors in the region.
Rachel Taylor, Domestic Violence Analyst for the Prince William County Office of Community Safety said: “It’s really incredible to get this kind of turnout for an event dedicated to human trafficking intervention. If events like these are more visible, then more information is able to get into our communities. Northern Virginia really showed up to support these efforts.”
The symposium concluded with a call for continued partnership and engagement in order to strengthen community safety efforts against human trafficking.
